Over time, blockages and clogs, frozen sections, loose valves, or misaligned parts can develop leaks in the refrigerator. You can usually fix or clear these leaks by yourself, using simple tools—saving a call to the appliance repair company.
Defrost Drain Is Blocked
The evaporator coils will drip water onto the bottom of the freezer compartment if the defrost drain is clogged with debris or is frozen. These drips can continue onto the refrigerator shelves and even onto the kitchen floor, especially if the door gasket is dirty or faulty.
Fixing a Blocked Defrost Drain
You should thaw any ice buildup in the drain and flush the drain with hot water to clear debris. Have lots of towels around to mop up spills.
Refrigerator Is out of Level
Moisture condensing on evaporator coils can leak out of the refrigerator. Also, a refrigerator that’s out of level taxes the motor and pump. Setting the refrigerator level not only reduces leaking but helps with the unit’s overall functioning.
Leveling a Refrigerator
Water Inlet Valve Is Loose or Damaged
Located on the back of the refrigerator, the water inlet valve supplies water to the freezer to make ice and to the dispenser for fresh water. The copper or plastic tubing may be damaged or loose. Or the brass water inlet valve might be damaged or have come loose. Leaks at this point will drip and pool around the bottom of the refrigerator and can make it appear as if water is coming from inside the box of the fridge.
Fixing a Loose or Damaged Water Inlet Valve
Water Filter Is Misaligned or Faulty
The refrigerator’s water filter cleans and filters water from the house’s water supply on the way to the fridge’s water dispenser. A misaligned or defective water filter can leak water into the refrigerator. Typically, the water will be concentrated on a top shelf of the refrigerator since the filter is usually located on the roof of the refrigerator box.
Fixing a Misaligned Water Filter
Door Gasket Is Dirty or Faulty
The rubber gasket around the inside of the refrigerator door may be leaking water from the inside of the box to the outside. Fix by cleaning or replacing the gasket. While this will not stop leaks inside of the refrigerator box, it will prevent those leaks from reaching the kitchen floor.
Fixing a Dirty or Faulty Door Gasket
When to Call a Professional
Call an appliance technician to replace the water inlet valve. For blocked defrost drains and tubes, if you have tried to flush them out with no success, have a technician assess the problem. These parts may need to be removed for more thorough cleaning or they may need to be replaced.
